Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National Park, offers amazing safari adventures on a City’s Doorstep. A unique haven for wildlife, in a safari park within the city limits of the capital city of Kenya. It is just 4 miles from downtown Nairobi.

The park has a diverse landscape and includes rivers, forests, the savannah, wetlands and swamps, man-made dams and high ground. Indeed the altitude of the park is over 5000 feet.

You don’t need to stay overnight in the park to enjoy all the activities of this Nairobi safari as it is so conveniently close to the city, just 15 minutes to drive. This unusual wildlife attraction is a magnet for tourists and locals alike.

What animals can you expect to see?

The endangered Black Rhino is the jewel in the crown for the park. But the Nairobi National Park is home to all the animals you would expect to find in Africa, such as the Lion, Zebra, Hippo and Giraffe. The only common African animal that does not frequent this park, is the elephant; the park territory is too small to maintain the herds.

Here are some of the others animal species that call this place home for all or part of the year: Buffalo, Leopard, white Rhinos, Antelopes, Cheetah, Baboon, Hyena, Ostrich, and Wildebeest. In fact, 100 mammal species and over 400 migratory and endemic bird species live here.

The park is only fenced on the Nairobi side, so that animals can come and go as they please through the open southern border according to their migration patterns. If you plan on visiting the National Park during the period of July to October you could witness one of the great spectacles of migration as more than a million wildebeest and zebra start to look for water and new grazing land.

Here is a brief outline of what else you can expect:

The Rhino Sanctuary: This must be one of the highlights of a visit to Nairobi National Park. This sanctuary is part of a plan to save rhinos, through a breeding program that will ultimately return the animals to the wild.

Animal Orphanage: The Animal Orphanage is a priceless educational experience. This is a training facility that provides shelter and rehabilitation for wild animals that are found injured or abandoned from around Kenya.

Nairobi Safari Walk: On the Nairobi Safari Walk visitors can learn about conservation and the natural environment in Kenya. The walk features simulated wetlands, forests and grassy plains or savannah and displays of rare animal and plant life. Naturalists are available to give talks and there is a Children's Museum.

Nairobi National Park Tour: For the more adventurous, Game Drives in the park are offered in the morning and afternoon, this is when the animals are most likely to be active. More leisurely activities include nature walks along the trails near the hippo pools.

The Ivory Burning Monument: The Nairobi National Park was established in 1946, the first of its kind in Kenya to protect endangered species. In 1989, the then President, Daniel Arap Moi, burned twelve tons of ivory on a site within the park. This dramatic event improved Kenya's conservation and wildlife protection image in the eyes of the world at a time when relentless poaching was still decimating East African wildlife. The Ivory Burning Monument in the park marks the spot today.

Practical Tips when visiting Nairobi National Park

Remember to take your camera and spare batteries!

You can book when you arrive at the park but best to book in advance especially if you are traveling with a group.

You can visit on your own but getting a guide will help to make the most of your experience. If you are concentrating on driving then you can’t make the most of the photo opportunities.

Best to go early morning about 7 AM or early evening for more natural animal activity.

Wear comfortable warm weather casual clothing (but it can be cool in the early morning).

Wear sturdy walking shoes if you plan on using the walking trails, and dont forget your sunscreen and sunglasses.

Lip salve – you may experience chapped or dry lips due to the altitude. You can buy it locally.

You need a visa to enter Kenya. You can either get a visa on arrival at the airport, or before you travel. To minimise time spent queuing at the airport, it is advisable to get a visa before you travel.

In conclusion, we would like to ask you where else can you see so many beautiful animals in their natural setting in only half a day? Where else in the world can you take a photo of a giraffe against the backdrop of the city skyscrapers? What an iconic picture, one of nature’s skyscrapers alongside man-made skyscrapers! What city can offer a seat on the verandah of a stylish restaurant while you watch majestic animals in their natural setting? Nairobi can! So be sure to pre-book a ticket to Nairobi National Park and be enthralled.